Winter safety tips

In cold weather you may want to use additional heating appliances. Follow these tips to use equipment safely:

• Use only portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use.
• Keep combustible materials, including furniture and curtains at least three feet away from the heat source. NEVER drape clothes over a space heater to dry.
• Always keep an eye on heating equipment. Never leave children alone in the room where a space heater is running. Turn it off when you are unable to closely monitor it.
• Be careful not to overload electrical circuits.
• Make sure you have working smoke detectors. Check and change batteries as required.

If your central heating or hot water stops working, there are a few things you can do before calling to request an engineer:

• Check that your central heating clock or timer is working properly. Make sure that it's switched on and showing the correct time. You'll find step-by-step instructions in your boiler manual.
• If your electrical power has been off for a while, you might also need to reset your clock.
• If you have a wireless room thermostat, check to see if the batteries need replacing.
• Check the pressure level in the system (bar). If the pressure runs low, the boiler will not heat the water in the system and radiators. If in doubt make a call for one of our Gas Engineers to attend.

In a typical winter, temperatures are low enough to affect the health of vulnerable people. Cold snaps can happen suddenly, and rapid drops in temperature quickly affect vulnerable people.  So, it is best to be prepared before cold temperatures are forecast – ideally by the beginning of November. Follow these tips to keep your family warm and well during cold weather:

• Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.
• Wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one chunky layer).
• Keep as active as possible.
• Use only portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use.
• Try and keep your main living room at around 18-21C (64-70F), and the rest of the house at least 16C (61F). If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep.
• Keep combustible materials, including furniture and curtains at least three feet away from the heat source. NEVER drape clothes over a space heater to dry.
• Always keep an eye on heating equipment. Never leave children alone in the room where a space heater is running. Turn it off when you are unable to closely monitor it.
• Be careful not to overload electrical circuits.
• Make sure you have a working smoke detector in every room. Check and change batteries often.
• Close curtains as soon as it starts to go dark.
• Cover yourself with a blanket when watching television
• Invest in a hot water bottle or electric blanket. But do not use them at the same time.
• Stock up on tinned and frozen foods to reduce the need to go out during extreme cold weather
• Ensure that you keep an adequate supply of any prescribed medication.
• If you have a pre-payment meter for gas or electricity, ensure that you keep as much credit on the metre as your budget allows.
• Where possible keep a watchful eye on your neighbours and if you have any concerns contact us.

Make sure you are maximising your income, for a free benefits check get in touch, find out more here.

• Walking in snow and ice: Always wear appropriate footwear with good soles. Avoid paths that are in the shade, if possible, delay your journey until the sun has had a chance to melt the icy areas. Handy tip: A pair of old socks worn over your shoes will help increase their grip on snow and ice.
• Driving in snow and ice: Don't assume that salted roads offer the same level of safety as those that are dry. Leave plenty of time for your journey. Try to avoid using minor roads wherever possible. Reduce speed when driving in ice or snow and do not drive too close to the car in front. Always drive smoothly and keep in the highest possible gear.

Handy tip: If you're stuck on ice, put your car mats under the wheels. The mats will most likely get destroyed, but it almost always works to get you out.

The Snow Code was provided by the Department for Transport, it gives guidance about clearing snow outside property, pathways to property and public places.  The Code offers advice on how to safely clear snow and includes tips such as:

• Don’t use hot water as this will melt the snow and may create black ice, increasing the risk of injury.
• Clear the snow and ice early in the day.
• Take care where you move the snow - if shovelling snow, make sure it doesn’t block paths or drainage channels.
• Use sand or ash as a salt substitute should salt supplies run out.
• Clear snow for those unable to do it themselves.
• Remind people that salt from salt bins is not for private use.

• Keep up to date with all your vaccinations for flu, pneumonia, COVD-19, speak to your GP for more information.
• Avoid close contact with others if you feel unwell or have symptoms - such as a high temperature, new cough, diarrhoea, vomiting, especially avoid the vulnerable.
• Wash or sanitise your hands regularly.
• Eat at least on hot healthy mean a day and keep hydrated, by drinking plenty of water (about 6 to 8 cups or glasses a day). Click here if you are struggling for food.
• Keep your house warm (at least 18 degrees C) especially if you are vulnerable to serious illness.  Click here if you are struggling with your energy bills.
• Look out for others including vulnerable neighbours, relatives and friends.